On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a lengthy list of USDA-backed projects in rural communities.

“These projects will bring lasting improvements that are essential to maintaining strong rural economies and vibrant communities as we work to win the future,” said Vilsack. “Preserving the infrastructure in rural areas is one of many ways that USDA assistance helps create and retain jobs.”

The list of USDA investments includes 49 projects in 29 states and Puerto Rico.

“Nearly $70 million in USDA funding is being provided – loans of almost $68 million and grants of a bit less than $1 million,” said Vilsack. “This resource is helping the leverage an additional $46 million in public and private financing.”

As small towns and communities struggle, “oftentimes it’s USDA resources – a loan guarantee, a loan, a grant – that allows projects to proceed.

“These projects are designed to improve quality of life. If you can improve a healthcare facility, you’re likely to save a life. If you can improve a school, you’re likely to better educate a child. If you can provide an assisted-living facility, you’re able to keep families intact. If you’re able to encourage stronger police and fire protection, you’re securing people in their homes and businesses more effectively resulting in lower costs for fire insurance and things of that nature.”

Vilsack claimed a “multitude of reasons” why the projects are important. “Obviously, we’ll be careful with investing these dollars. That’s why the leveraging aspect of this is so important. It’s not just the federal government – it’s really the federal government in partnership with state and local governments and the private sector coming together in a partnership to try and improve quality of life.”

Asked specifically about the pair of Arkansas projects USDA is backing, Vilsack said theArkansas Methodist Hospital Corporation “needed assistance to purchase an additional ambulance and equipment for the Rector Ambulance Substation. So, they’re being provided a $50,000 grant. The applicant is putting up $83,500. So, this is a good example of the ‘leveraging’ I talked about earlier.”

Meanwhile, east Arkansas’ St. Francis County Community Development Corporation is constructing a 40-bed assisted-living facility. “To do that they needed a $4.5 million loan which, by itself, was not sufficient to build the facility. An additional $2 million was secured by the project. So, this is actually a $6.5 million project.

“Obviously, when you’re constructing a new facility, you’re putting people to work in that community. When you’re purchasing an ambulance and equipment, you’re obviously benefiting the companies that (manufacture both) and hopefully create, and retain, jobs.”

According to a USDA press release project funding “is contingent upon borrowers meeting conditions in the funding agreement.”

Projects include:

Alaska

• Kenai Peninsula Food Bank. Renovations to food bank; $327,000 loan.

Arkansas

• Arkansas Methodist Hospital Corp. Purchase a new ambulance and equipment for the Rector Ambulance Substation; $50,000 grant.
• St. Francis County Community Development Corp. Construct a 40-bed, assisted-living facility; $4,525,000 loan.